Non-mainstream games from Tokyo Game Show 2013

A reboot of a classic platform game, a history lesson through the eyes of the Yakuza, a new role playing game for the Straw Hat Pirates and the return of everyone’s favourite Dragonball characters caught our attention at the Tokyo Game Show. Unfortunately, you might not get to play all of them.

Strider

The reboot of the classic side-scrolling platform game brings a significant level of nostalgia when I had a hands-on with it. Gameplay is quite basic and does not deviate from the original. Strider uses either his sword or shurikens to decimate his enemies.

His agility and speed will put you on the edge of your seat as you dodge bullets and melee attacks from enemies. The demo showcased some upgrades that Strider gets along the way, including a sliding attack to remove barriers and tackle enemies.

Overall, gamers who grew up with the original Strider, should be pleased with Double Helix Game has done with the Capcom title.

Platform: PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, PC

Available: 2014

Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Z

Sometimes, it’s just ridiculous to see how powerful Son Goku is in Dragon Ball. The upcoming Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Z features the latest Saiyan form that Goku attains, the Super Saiyan God, which turns his hair and eyes red, and the usual characters from the Dragon Ball universe.

The game features a four-player mode, and lets you go nuts with a battle royale that supports up to eight players. That said, the action game focuses quite a bit on missions. Flying and movement controls are standard, but with a four-man team, it took some time to figure out what their special attacks were.

Platform: Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PlayStation Vita

Available: 2014

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Ryu Ga Gotoku Ishin

Ryu Ga Gotoku, or known as Yakuza in our part of the world, is getting a prequel of sorts with its latest installment, Ryu Ga Gotoku Ishin.

Based in Japan’s Edo period, the game features Ryoma Sakamoto, who bears a striking resemblance to the Yakuza series’ protagonist Kiryu Kazuma. During the closed-door session, it was revealed that fan favourites from the earlier Yakuza series could return in the Ishin installment. History will not be changed, as Ryoma Sakamoto, who is based on an actual historical figure, dies both in real-life and in the game.

What will not appear in the game, are the host club elements. Rather, gamers will indulge in some sake drinking and sidequests such as farming. Unfortunately, the game will be limited to Japan for now, and a localised version has not been confirmed.

Platform: PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4

Availability: TBC

One Piece: Romance Dawn

At Namco Bandai Games’ presentation, we saw a turn-based battle system utilising the 3DS dual-screen function for One Piece: Romance Dawn, the series' first role playing game that was released on PlayStation Portable last year.

It was revealed that equipping accessories will change not just the character’s parameters, but their looks too. If item crafting and special attacks using TP sound oddly familiar, you’re not far off - it’s a standard formula used by role playing games. But at least, you’ll get to battle characters such as Buggy, Arlong and Crocodile from the manga, and relive memorable scenes from the anime.

The title will be available on Nintendo 3DS during the holiday season in US and Europe, and will retain the original Japanese voiceover with English text.